If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dinner that feels both fresh and comforting, you absolutely must try this Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe. The perfectly baked salmon with its smoky, garlicky rub pairs beautifully with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, while the refreshing avocado cucumber salsa adds a zingy crunch that elevates every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers a wonderful balance of heat, creaminess, and brightness that’s sure to become one of your go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this dish are straightforward but essential—they each bring something special to the table, whether it’s depth of flavor, texture, or a pop of color that makes the dish come alive visually.
- Salmon fillets (4, about 6 oz each): The star of the dish, rich and tender, perfect for baking.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps create a tasty crust and keeps the salmon moist.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavors.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory kick.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings a smoky warmth that complements the fish beautifully.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base for the bang bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Balances heat with sweetness in the sauce.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Gives the bang bang sauce its signature spicy punch.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of sweetness to round out the sauce.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Introduces a gentle acidity to brighten the sauce.
- Ripe avocado (1, diced): Creamy and luscious, the heart of the salsa.
- Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Provides a refreshing crisp contrast.
- Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Adds a sharp, savory note.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): A herbaceous touch that lifts the salsa.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brings tang and brightness to the mix.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel—this helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a nicely browned exterior. Rub each fillet with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices build layers of flavor that make the salmon irresistible.
Step 2: Bake the Salmon
Place the seasoned salmon fillets on your prepared baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Baking salmon at this temperature locks in moisture while developing a subtle crust from the spices, making it tender and flavorful every time.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon bakes, grab a small bowl and combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk everything thoroughly until smooth and creamy. This bang bang sauce is the magical sauce that delivers both a sweet and spicy kick, perfectly complementing the richness of the salmon. If you like it hotter, feel free to add a bit more sriracha.
Step 4: Mix the Avocado Cucumber Salsa
In another bowl, gently toss diced avocado, cucumber, finely chopped red onion, cilantro, and lime juice together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This salsa is light and refreshing with a creamy, crunchy contrast that balances out the spicy and creamy elements of the sauce and salmon.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once the salmon is out of the oven, drizzle each fillet generously with the bang bang sauce. Top with a hearty spoonful of the avocado cucumber salsa. Serve immediately to enjoy the full spectrum of textures and flavors at their peak.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or thinly sliced green onions on top for a fresh herbal pop. A wedge of lime on the side invites everyone to add an extra burst of citrus brightness if desired. These simple touches make the presentation more inviting and the flavors even more vibrant.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or a light cauliflower rice for a low-carb option—both absorb the delicious bang bang sauce beautifully. You can also serve it alongside steamed or roasted asparagus, green beans, or a crisp mixed green salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salmon atop a bed of crunchy tortilla chips with salsa as a unique appetizer or casual dinner. Alternatively, wrap the salmon and salsa inside soft tortillas for a vibrant salmon taco feast that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salmon and salsa in separate airtight containers to preserve freshness. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. This helps maintain the bright flavors and texture of the avocado salsa while keeping the salmon moist.
Freezing
While salmon freezes well, the avocado cucumber salsa will not hold up to freezing due to its fresh ingredients. Freeze cooked salmon fillets without salsa in a vacuum-sealed bag or airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat leftover salmon, warm it gently in the oven at 275°F for about 10-15 minutes to avoid drying it out, or use a microwave at low power. Serve the salsa cold as a fresh topping to complement the warm fish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before seasoning and baking to get the best texture and flavor.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a fantastic lighter alternative that still provides creaminess with a slight tang, making the sauce a bit healthier but just as delicious.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
It has a gentle heat from the sriracha balanced by sweet chili sauce and honey, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less sriracha.
Can I prepare the salsa ahead of time?
Yes! The avocado cucumber salsa can be made up to two hours before serving—just keep it covered and chilled to keep the avocado from browning.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can substitute regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder for a different but still tasty smoky flavor. The smoked paprika adds depth, but the dish will still be flavorful without it.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the harmony of flavors and textures in the Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe. It’s a dish that feels thoughtfully crafted yet unfussy enough for any weeknight dinner. I hope you give it a try and find it as delicious and comforting as I do—this recipe is sure to brighten your meal rotation and bring a splash of joy to your table.
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Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa is a deliciously spicy and creamy baked salmon dish topped with a refreshing avocado and cucumber salsa. The salmon is seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder, then baked to flaky perfection. It is served with a zesty bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar, complemented by a bright and fresh salsa made from avocado, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. This healthy and flavorful meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Avocado Cucumber Salsa
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Salmon: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring better crisping. Rub each fillet evenly with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if the skin is on. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon is baking, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust the level of spiciness according to your preference by adding more or less sriracha.
- Prepare the Avocado Cucumber Salsa: In a medium bowl, gently toss together diced avocado, cucumber, finely chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix carefully to combine without mashing the avocado.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the salmon is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Drizzle each salmon fillet generously with the bang bang sauce and top with a generous spoonful of avocado cucumber salsa. Serve immediately, optionally alongside jasmine rice or cauliflower rice.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a wholesome meal.
- For a lighter version of the bang bang sauce, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- The avocado cucumber salsa can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance, but best to add lime juice just before serving to prevent browning.
- Adjust sriracha to taste for preferred spiciness.
